.MjA4Nw.MzM3Mw

Major John Tyler

Care of Maj Gen Price

Price's Head Qrs.

Grenada

Miss.

Richmond Dec. 15, 1861

My Dear John,

Your last letter was duly received and the information relative to the defences of Mobile gave me pleasure I hope that by this time that important City is placed in a situation of comparative security. The war is no longer a speculation but a reality and no supineness on the part of those put in charge over the fortunes of men and Cities can be excus'd Eternal vigilance is not only the price of liberty but of safety - He who slumbers now at his post of high public duty, must suffer the consequences of his indolence - Mobile is fortunate in having General Walker in trust of its fate. I consider it secure. The General of our Peninsula is one who never sleeps - even now he calls into [illegible] all the Militia of our counties [illegible] to him to repel a threaten'd attack, and our slaves to work on the fortifications we have some left behind either white or black but the old or infirm - We have no other moves in this direction and Congress is quite busily at work. I have been surprised to find that but few nominations of the military have been heretofore acted on. They are now being rapidly disposed of. There seems to be a purpose on the part of Congress to expell from the army all inebriates.